A never-say-die attitude

I am a very simple and honest person who hates hypocrisy. I love people who are candid and transparent. I believe in myself and my hard work. I don't believe in God. I am a gambler to the core, never tired of taking risks. I have always followed my instincts, taken the plunge and also faced the music. I have a never-say-die attitude.

I am a very simple and honest person who hates hypocrisy. I love people who are candid and transparent. I believe in myself and my hard work. I don't believe in God. I am a gambler to the core, never tired of taking risks. I have always followed my instincts, taken the plunge and also faced the music. I have a never-say-die attitude.

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I’m a born actor

I was born in Jaipur and brought up in various parts of India because my father was in the Army. So, we moved a lot. I always wanted to be an actor. I even received an offer for a Punjabi serial Nandu Ka Chirag when I was in Class X. I was finalised for Nandu's role but Dad wanted me to study. You could say that I was very filmi back then. I shut myself in my room and tore the script apart.

After college, I would have joined the Army but my application form reached the institute late and so it was rejected. Therefore, I went back to my first love — acting. I wasn't sure where to start from. So, I decided to take the plunge through ads in paper, which said 'wanted actors and models' but those thugs took Rs.500 for registration and had fake auditions.

I was very restless and demotivated. I moved to Delhi and found an opportunity to write and direct which proved fruitful. I used to enjoy formulating ideas but acting was my first love.

The right direction
I found it creatively satisfying to create and write, and I directed some 30-odd documentary films. I realised that I was good at writing. So, I wrote a few scripts and directed a serial called Samarpan for DD. I even directed commercials for the Department of Income Tax and a few local products in Delhi.

People used to tell me that I would be better off acting in front of the camera. At that time, I didn't have the confidence. I thought I was just one of the so many faces in the crowd and was not exactly good looking. I didn't know if I would be able to succeed in Mumbai. Kiran Kumar and a few others seniors who worked in my serial had urged me to try.

The biggest risk I took was to come to Mumbai. I was into production and direction of documentary films. I did well for three years but wanted more. So I took a big step and made a pilot for a serial thinking that I would go and sell it to Star (channel group).

I put all my money, my savings, sold my car, with two other partners to finance the pilot. I didn't know the economics of making a serial in Mumbai. This concept was based on the army but the Afghan war broke out and the army withdrew their support. I tried selling the pilot but it didn't work so I thought destiny wants me to change course. I auditioned for a commercial as a test and I was short-listed. I began doing commercials and then there was no looking back.

On with advertisements
I started making money and ads followed. Videocon Refrigerator, LML Bike, Good Night Mat, LG and others. I then bagged Balaji's serial Kya Haadsa Kya Haqeeqat. I was raw. But I think I learnt fast. I felt that my true test presented itself when I worked with Rohini Hattangady and Smriti Irani. I enjoyed it and it was a learning experience. Of course then Kahin
Toh Hoga happened and rest is history.

As told to Rachana A.